As the holiday season approaches, the Dolly Steamboat — which has been cruising through Canyon Lake for four decades — offers the perfect way to enjoy the season and the beauty of the Arizona desert with family and friends.
The steamboat is festively decorated for the holidays and offers private charters that serve as a fantastic venue for corporate and family holiday parties. As well, its regularly programmed cruises provide a unique and memorable activity for families spending time together during the holiday season.
Out-of-town visitors and locals alike will be amazed by the beauty of Canyon Lake, which is known as the junior Grand Canyon with cliffs close to 1,000 feet high on both sides. You will also learn more about the area’s history and wildlife during the expertly narrated cruise.
“During the cruise, we’ll see a lot of bighorn sheep, bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife as well as flora and fauna, which the captain narrates and points out while also sharing the history of the area,” said Jan Johnson, office manager for the Dolly Steamboat. “Canyon Lake is home to Skeleton Cave, which is one of the sites of the Apache Wars, so there’s a lot of history.”
The most popular cruise option is the Scenic Nature Cruise on Canyon Lake, which spans six miles during a 90-minute ride.
Guests can also dine on the Dolly Steamboat during the extended 2 1/2-hour twilight dinner cruise, which takes place on weekend evenings. The dinner cruise offers delicious meal options including baron of beef and champagne chicken as well as a vegetarian option.
Both make great options for a special day out with the entire family. Additionally, a ticket for a Dolly Steamboat cruise makes for a great holiday gift for any family member.
“We’ve had everyone from threeweek-old infants on the cruises to up to people 100 years old,” said Jan. “It’s great for all ages.”
Cruises book up quickly, so calling ahead to make a reservation is highly encouraged, especially during the busy winter months.
For more information on the Dolly Steamboat, visit dollysteamboat.com. To make a reservation, call (480) 827-9144.
The Dolly Steamboat meet up location is located near the Canyon Lake Marina, at 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ, 85117.